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Future Officers’ Fellowship members challenged to respond to God’s leading.
“Shaped to serve” was the theme for this year’s Future Officers’ Fellowship retreat. On February 12, 176 delegates, representing all ten divisions, gathered at the College for Officer Training to be challenged and encouraged in their search for God’s will in their lives.
Each speaker carried out the theme through his message, beginning with Lt. Colonel David Hudson, secretary for personnel, challenging the delegates to recognize that they are chosen. Addressing the theme of being shaped, Captains Dave and Erin Kauffman, corps officers from Tucson Amphi (Ariz.), shared how they have been “shaped through their service.” Major Mark Nelson, administrator of the Pasadena ARC, stirred hearts as he told how he has been “shaped for service.” Lt. Colonels Doug and Rhode Danielson finished this series as they stated their expectations for officers under their leadership and emphasized how people are “shaped for servanthood.”
“’For you were with Moses, as he crossed the Red Sea. You stood by Noah when no one believed. So I’ll carry this cross, Lord, this day I choose you. If you were with David, with me you will be.’ Kenneth Kurausi, a delegate from the Golden State Division, wrote these words,” said Major Pamilla Brackenbury, associate candidates’ secretary. “As he sang this song in testimony, I believe it set the tone for the weekend. Whatever God asks of us, he will be with us, preparing us for his service.”
On Sunday morning, Chief Secretary Colonel William Harfoot summed up the weekend by reminding the delegates that all are saved to serve, sanctified to serve, and sent for service. Following his scriptural challenge, the delegates gathered in divisional groups to pray together and seal the commitments made through out the weekend.
Delegate Clint Trimmer from Torrance, Calif., remarked, “The FOF weekend was a great experience for me to meet with future session mates and really take time to hear God speak his calling into my life. There is something special about being surrounded by people who are hearing God’s call on their lives in the same way that you are hearing it.”
“It is exciting to see how God is working in the hearts and lives of men and women across the territory,” said Captain James Lloyd, Cascade divisional youth secretary. “God is calling and many are responding. The future of The Salvation Army is truly in the hands of the One who shapes us to serve him.”
